Simple Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe for Quick Dinner 🍗🧈✨
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a rich and creamy butter chicken but want to skip restaurant visits, this easy butter chicken recipe is your perfect solution. Making homemade butter chicken at home can be quick, satisfying, and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this creamy butter chicken recipe offers a flavorful experience with minimal effort. Plus, you can personalize it with your favorite spices or swap ingredients to suit dietary preferences.
2. Ingredients for This Easy Butter Chicken Recipe
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or ghee
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Best Homemade Butter Chicken
Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and set aside. Heating a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil or ghee and cook the chicken until browned on all sides. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, add diced onions and sauté until translucent. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant. This builds the flavor base for your creamy butter chicken.
Add Spices and Tomato Sauce
Stir in garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Cook the spices for about a minute, then pour in the crushed tomatoes. Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Incorporate Cream and Chicken
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream, creating a velvety, rich sauce. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it thoroughly with the sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and flavorful.
Finish and Garnish
Taste and adjust salt or spices as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a refreshing touch. Serve your homemade butter chicken over steamed rice or with warm naan bread for a complete meal.
4. Storage Tips for Your Creamy Butter Chicken
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.
5. Serving Suggestions & Variations
Enjoy this easy butter chicken recipe with basmati rice, garlic naan, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. For added nutrition, toss in some spinach or peas during the simmering stage. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of Mediterranean cucumber tomato onion salad.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make butter chicken dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream to keep the dish creamy and suitable for dairy allergies.
How long does it take to prepare this butter chicken recipe?
The total preparation and cooking time is approximately 30-40 minutes, making it perfect for a quick dinner.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely. Chicken breasts work well, but they can dry out if overcooked. Cook them just until done for tender results.
What are good side dishes for butter chicken?
Great options include basmati rice, naan bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh cucumber salad.
7. Kitchen Tools That You Might Need for This Recipe
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer – Perfect for quick, healthy side dishes or reheating leftovers, making your dinner prep more efficient.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set – A reliable set to ensure even cooking of sauces and frying the chicken seamlessly.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo – For grilling or roasting chicken if you prefer a smoky flavor or want to cook outdoors.
8. Related Recipes for Your Cooking Inspiration
- Quick and Tasty Homemade Butter Chicken – Another fantastic variation of this classic dish.
- Vibrant Veggie Pasta with Golden Baked Feta – For a hearty vegetarian alternative.
- Creamy Crack Corn Dip – Perfect for appetizers or snacking during dinner prep.
9. Conclusion
This simple homemade butter chicken recipe is your go-to for a quick, comforting dinner packed with flavors. Its creamy, aromatic sauce and tender chicken make it a crowd-pleaser while being easy to prepare on busy weeknights. Customize it to suit your tastes, and enjoy a delicious meal with minimal fuss. Happy cooking!
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Simple Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe for Quick Dinner
A rich and creamy homemade butter chicken that comes together quickly, perfect for a comforting dinner.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into pieces
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute.
- Add spices: garam masala, turmeric, cumin, chili powder; cook for 30 seconds.
- Add chicken pieces, cook until browned on all sides.
- Pour in tomato sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and cook for another 5 minutes until thickened.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan.
Notes
- Adjust spice levels according to taste.
- Use full-fat heavy cream for richer flavor.
- Can substitute chicken with shrimp or vegetables for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
- Diet: Nut-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg